5 apps to help you get into shape this summer

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This summer, ditch the excuses and get ready to crush your fitness goals. Getting into shape has never been this easy. Be it running, cycling, yoga or just nutritional support, there’s an app to suit your every need. Here’s a round up of five of the best ones out there…

1 / 5

COUCH TO 5K (C25K)

Intended to get you off the couch and running the full 5K in just nine weeks, this app is best for beginners or those looking to overcome their fear of running. The workouts, which are scheduled thrice a week, last for 30-40 minutes each and include a warm-up, a walk/jog session and a cool down. Some of the highlights include motivational tips, easy-to-use workout logs and a built-in music player to load you favourite playlists. Available on iTunes and Google Play

2 / 5

FITSTAR YOGA

Yoga, with all its mind-boggling stretches and moves, can be daunting for anyone especially if you are in a class full of people. Here’s where this app comes in handy. Created by yoga guru Tara Stiles, FitStar Yoga offers customised programmes according to your fitness level as well as the time you have (there’s a ‘bedtime’ session as well as a 15-minute flexible routine). If you’re a novice, it’ll help you reach a certain goal; if you’ve hit a plateau, it’ll motivate you to challenge yourself; and if you’ve mastered this ancient art, then it’ll just push you to achieve more. All this in the privacy of your home. Available on iTunes and Google Play

3 / 5

MY FITNESS PAL

Ask any fitness expert and he or she will tell you if you aren’t eating right, the scale won’t budge, even if you have been working out diligently. MyFitnessPal, with a data base of over 10,00,000 foods, helps you track your daily calorie intake to ensure you don’t pile on those pounds mindlessly. Features include a personalised diet profile based on your weight loss goal, a diary to help you keep track and forums to interact with like-minded weight watchers. The best part—the app keeps a track of your food pattern, making it easier for you to add your favourite foods to your log again. Available on iTunes and Google Play

4 / 5

FITNET PERSONAL TRAINER

The fitness industry is booming and personal trainers certainly don’t come cheap anymore. But here’s the good news. This app allows you to set a goal, find a suitable exercise from over 200 free video fitness workouts (with a live selfiecam that scores your motion by comparing you to the trainer) and see real-time calorie burn via its Energy Clock. Too busy to workout? No problem. One of its key features include the five and seven minute workouts that are easy to fit into any schedule. Available on iTunes and Google Play

5 / 5

STRAVA

With cycling groups increasing by day, cycling apps too have come of age. One of the most popular apps in this category, Strava tracks your ride stats (speed, time, distance) as you travel as well as calories burned and elevation ridden once you are done. In addition, you can compare your stats against past efforts, compete with others who’ve ridden the same segment and finally, ride your way up to the leader board. Those up for a challenge can join ongoing races, prepare for race day and earn some brownie points along the way. Available on iTunes and Google Play